Pepsters recently attended a USA (United Spirit Association) Elite Cheer Camp at UCLA, where seven varsity members were named to the All-Star team.

Each All-Star team member received an invitation to attend and perform in the New Year’s Day Parade in London.

Cal High senior Karin Bryeans was named the “Spirit Star” winner, the top individual award.

Earlier this year, Cal High coach Linda Behr was named 2008 Coach of the Year by the Golden State Spirit Association.

Cerritos program receives funds

NORWALK – Cerritos College’s woodworking manufacturing technology department has received more than $100,000 from the Perkins Career and Technical Education Program, a federal source of funds for occupational program improvement.

The funding will be used to purchase a nested base CNC router, one of two major computerized technologies for cabinetmaking.

The nested base CNC router performs both cutting and machining operations, as well as more flexible 3-D machining.

Cerritos College offers a certificate and degree program in cabinetmaking that teaches wood finishing, cabinet design, construction and installation.

For more information about the program, call (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2986.

South Whittier announces policy for school meals

SOUTH WHITTIER – The South Whittier School District announces its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children under the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program.

Eligibility is based on household size and income criteria.

For example, for reduced-price meals, annual household income for children in a family of four cannot exceed $39,220. The income level goes up $6,660 for each additional member. For free meals, annual household income cannot exceed $27,560 for children in a family of four. The income level goes up $4,680 per additional family member.

Children who receive public assistance – food stamps or CalWORKS, for example – are automatically eligible for the school meal program.

To apply for the program, parents must fill out a form being mailed out to local households informing them of their eligibility. Applications are also available at the schools and can be turned in at any time during the school year.

Eligibility is determined based on the application, though the information may be verified by school administrators at any time.

Families who apply but are found ineligible may discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. A formal request for an appeal hearing can also be made.

For more information, call the district’s Food Services department at (562) 906-5145.

If you have an event or notice deserving attention, write us! Send your notice to Tracy Garcia, education reporter, at 7612 Greenleaf Ave., Whittier, CA 90602. You may call the office at (562) 698-0955, Ext. 3051, or send e-mail to

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